Settling In Series - Helping you feel at home
Guernsey has long been considered a relocation destination by those looking to leave the UK. Some consider the island for tax purposes, move for business reasons or simply for a change of lifestyle whilst remaining in an English-speaking environment.
Whatever the initial motivation, considering a relocation can sometimes be a daunting prospect and it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, the Locate Guernsey team is on hand to help.
A government agency, Locate Guernsey provides information and guidance to those considering a personal or business relocation to Guernsey. In this article, their Relationship Manager, Lily Prus, shares answers to some of the most common questions the team are asked.
How do I become a Guernsey resident?
Moving to Guernsey can be incredibly simple. Guernsey has a two-tier property market, with houses designated as either Local Market or Open Market. Whilst the Local Market is reserved for those with strong familial connection to the island or those holding Employment Permits, the Open Market provides a straightforward route to residency. Those with British/Irish passports or Right of Abode in the UK (such as EU settled status), can become resident in Guernsey through the purchase or lease of an Open Market Part A property. Being an Open Market resident allows you to live on the island indefinitely. There’s no employment requirement but Open Market residents are free to work or run their businesses if they want to.
Is there an application process?
Unlike other jurisdictions, there is no wealth test, minimum property spend, or minimum tax take to gain residency. Once you have found the perfect Open Market home, it’s just a case of making a straightforward application to our Population Management office.
It’s also important to note that Guernsey has a separate system of taxation. Income tax is charged at a rate of 20% with caps available and there is no CGT or IHT. It is always advisable to seek tax advice before leaving the UK and there are several experienced tax specialists on the island to guide you through this process.
How will my lifestyle be impacted?
Sometimes people will initially consider Guernsey for tax reasons but it’s the island’s safety, warm community, and laidback pace of life that they stay for. It’s fair to say that islanders live life well, we work hard but we enjoy all that the island has to offer. The beauty of living on an island is you also have more time in the day, with the average commute in Guernsey being just 15 minutes!
The best way to get a feel for the island is to visit Guernsey before your relocation on a ‘recce’ visit. Even if you have visited the island on holiday, it can be different to visit in the mindset of living in Guernsey. This is an ideal time to explore the different parts of the island, view properties, meet with local advisors or arrange school visits etc. For those who are limited on time to visit, there are also some fantastic YouTube channels that offer an introduction to life in Guernsey.
What about healthcare?
Our level of on-island care is very good but it’s important to note that there is no NHS in Guernsey. Guernsey’s healthcare system is part patient-paid, with residents paying for their primary care (GP visits, Accident & Emergency and Ambulance callouts), however, all follow-up treatment when referred by a GP or specialist is funded by Guernsey’s government. All Guernsey residents make social security contributions to benefit from the healthcare system. Health insurance options are also available.
Where do I start?
This one is easy… speak to Locate Guernsey! The team at Locate Guernsey have a wealth of experience and contacts to provide support throughout the relocation process. Our services are free of charge and impartial - we are essentially here to make the relocation process as seamless as possible. You can get in touch with the team at any stage of the journey, whether an initial “Could this work for me?” discussion as you scope out various jurisdictions, or a more detailed conversation surrounding the practicalities of relocation.
This article was first published in Aurigny's En Voyage magazine - Issue 38
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch on 01481 220011 or email enquiries@locateguernsey.com.
